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IN THIS ISSUE

Education Easter What’s On Travel Issue 76 March/April 2022

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familiesonline.co.uk Families Cheshire 1

STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for children ages 3-18 years

Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships FOUNDED IN 1487

Nursery and Reception Open Morning Saturday 7th May Book online Come and spend a day in the Senior School - Year 5 Taster Days 26th May, 27th May and 14th June Book online Senior and Junior School day tours available Extensive school bus routes including Sale, Altrincham and Hale

SGS Inspires

Highest Inspection Rating of “Excellent”

Tel: 0161 456 9000

www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

Hazledine Lodge, Infant and Junior School

Abbey Gate College Independent School for ages 4-18

PERSONAL TOURS AVAILABLE

Saighton Grange, Senior School

Please contact the Admissions Ofﬁce to book “Learning with courage and compassion”

01244 564170 admissions@abbeygatecollege.co.uk Saighton Grange, Chester CH3 6EN

abbeygatecollege.co.uk

2 Families Cheshire

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CONTENTS

Welcome We’re really looking forward to spring here at Families and in preparation, here’s our Easter magazine.

It’s time to start thinking about getting out and about with the family again and, in this issue, animal lovers can plan a unique wildlife encounter and find accommodation nearby. With fuel bills rocketing, saving energy is on everyone’s mind. Get the kids involved in cutting the cost and easing pressure on the environment – read our suggestions on how to do this.

Sales Carla Finlayson carla@familiescheshire.co.uk 07734 690020

Are you nervously waiting to find out the results of your school application? We have suggestions on what to do if you don’t get your first choice.

Printed by Buxton Press Design Rebecca Carr

Plus, embrace going out with some great entertainment options from our What’s On guide.

In this issue

Finally, we have lots of Doodlejamz to give away! Apply for this squishy, squashy, sensory – but mess-free - drawing toy for your child. And, if you haven’t signed up to receive our digital magazine and enjoy additional, interactive content, you can do this at familiesmag.co.uk/go to receive every issue free to your inbox.

Education

Travel

Early Years

10. Parenting

November/December competition winners

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/compwinnersND

13. Environment 14. What’s On 15. Kids’ Activities 16. Easter craft

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

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brioleisure.org/party Families Cheshire 3

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11/02/2022 15:21

EDUCATION

Help, we didn’t get our first choice school! By Emma Lewry School allocation day is almost upon us. In England, secondary school places are announced on 1 March. Then, during April, those who have applied for a primary school place will find out their designated school. Thankfully, almost ninety two percent of families are given their first-choice primary school and ninety eight percent get one of their listed preferences. In secondary, ninety six percent of students get one of their listed schools. But what about those who do not get their first choice or even any preferences? How can you deal with the fallout from not getting a choice you planned for? Here are three suggestions: Give the allocated option a chance If you do not know much about the school, get nosey on their website and give them a call see if you can visit. In many cases, second or third choice allocations turn out to be brilliant and families are really pleased with the decision. Give the school a chance, it might work for you! Manage disappointment Sometimes the biggest issue is managing the disappointment you and your child might feel. Look after yourself and take some time to be sad, angry and frustrated; these are important and valid feelings. Communicating positively with your child is important if you can, so they don’t feel nervous about their new school.

Get on the waiting lists Plenty changes between the spring and September and there is still a good chance you can get a space at your first choice school or another you feel happier about. Depending on your local authority procedures, you may automatically go on a waiting list or you may need to request this with your local authority or directly with the school. If you are still feeling unsure about the school options, there is time to look at other schools and request a change. Both starting school and moving to secondary are big events and you need to feel as happy about them as you can. There are also options to appeal; although this can be challenging, it may be worth a shot. Again, your local authority website should explain the appeals process. Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, former Headteacher and mum to two little girls. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk/links) which supports families to prepare for starting school through groups, courses and a school starters planner available from Amazon.

Telling your child

Appealing a decision

Where possible, after taking a little time to process your own feelings, tell your child with a positive spin. Explain to them that there is a different school that wants them to join.

Each local authority has an appeals procedure to follow and this can be found on their website.

Find some specific things about the school they will love and show younger children pictures of happy children and fun activities on the school website. For older children, visit the website together to look at what is on offer. Give them some examples of times when a change or difference in a plan has been good, for example ‘it was raining on our walk but we found some great puddles.’ Children of all ages are really receptive to these examples of bigger life lessons and it gives an opportunity to talk about how they feel. Stories are a great way to explore feelings and talk about sadness and disappointment. Top recommendations for little ones are: The Colour Monster by Anna Lennas and for older children No Worries, an activity book by Dr Sharie Combes or You are Awesome by Matthew Syed.

4 Families Cheshire

It will explain how to appeal and what reasons you can use for appeal. It is quite difficult to be successful with an appeal and in most cases, this only happens where children have additional needs which cannot be supported in any other setting. In a nutshell, if you appeal a decision, you are effectively asking a school which is full to remove a child from that allocation and move them to a different school. As you can imagine, that is an unlikely scenario. It can be worth going through the process though, as there are situations in which schools may take on more children if they are able to and by appealing, you are showing you are serious about wanting a place at that school. Once you appeal, the case will be heard by a panel, you may be invited to the hearing and you will be given a decision with reasons.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Parental pressure By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander

It can sometimes be challenging for parents to walk the fine line between caring too little and caring too much about their child’s progress at school. Whilst we all want the best for our children, our own expectations and behaviour can have a direct impact on their academic and emotional development. The weight of pressure and expectation can lead to low self-esteem and anxiety, whilst a lack of pressure and expectation can be equally counterproductive. So how do we strike a balance, ensuring that we are setting and supporting realistic goals for our children? Research suggests a strong and positive link between high expectations and high academic achievements. But these expectations must be based on a realistic understanding of our children’s abilities. When our dreams and fantasies do not coincide with their own interests and abilities, our expectations can strike a debilitating blow to their development. Putting children under unreasonable pressure can impact their mental and physical health as well as their relationships with both parents and peers. The constant stress to perform interferes with children’s identity formation and can cause them to feel that they can never be good enough. On the other hand, having low or no expectations can lead to poor performance and an inability to cope with pressure of any kind. When parents are too accepting of whatever their child does, it communicates that the child doesn’t really matter. This can be equally damaging. Key here is to maintain expectation but minimise pressure. High expectations can be motivating and encouraging, helping your child reach their potential and feel confident and secure. Think

about the process rather than the result by encouraging them to stick with their studies even when they are struggling. Work with your child to decide on best ways to manage test situations. Experiment with different study methods together to find out what works best for them. If your child is struggling, then talk to your child’s school to see what support can be provided. Finally, it’s crucial to remind your child of your love and support without reference to their academic performance and test outcomes. Supporting them to learn from their mistakes motivates them to try new approaches to problem solving, achieving wisdom and good judgement along the way. Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

TOURS & TASTER DAYS AVAILABLE

Don’t worship grades

March Open Events

Worldwide studies show that our children will have fallen behind due to the pandemic. This information must be taken into account when thinking about their progress. Rather than being a grade-slave, consider the following:

• LOWER SCHOOL EXPLORE QUEEN’S Wednesday 9 March

Is my child making progress? It’s essential not to compare progress between peers or siblings. Your child may not be at the same stage that an older sibling reached at their age. Setting realistic expectations will help nurture your child’s sense of self-esteem and encourage healthy development. Praise your child’s achievements. This is an opportunity to encourage your children to find what they are good at and what they enjoy - whether it be dance, drama, sport. Encourage their hobbies and help them to appreciate that their success is not just measured on their academic grades. Remember our children are individuals and progress in their own time. Let children make mistakes, mistakes are how we learn and improve. Offer support and encouragement even if the end result is not what was hoped for. Familiesonline.co.uk

• SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING Thursday 10 March

thequeensschool.co.uk/open-events AN OUTSTANDING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL for girls aged 4–18 in the heart of Chester that gets to know and grow with your daughter, supporting and challenging her along the way to ensure a successful and happy future. To book a bespoke tour and taster day call our Admissions Manager on 01244 312078 or email admissions@ thequeensschool.co.uk

Igniting her potential Families Cheshire 5

EDUCATION

How important is spelling? By Jemma Zoe Smith At a time when autocorrect is everywhere and very few situations call for handwriting, the question being debated is: does spelling matter? As a dyslexic tutor, my answer does not fit squarely on one side of the fence. Spelling is a recognised core skill which helps with reading, processing and pronunciation. That said, should anyone be penalised for having important and novel ideas, simply because they struggle to write them down? In UK primary schools, children are given regular spelling tests and spelling is tested at each stage of pupils’ lives. 11+ exams, SATs, GCSEs and even some job interviews require a writing task without spellcheck. So yes, spelling must matter because it is tested at so many points in the UK (although not so much in the USA). Fail to master spelling and it is harder to make it to top universities or careers. Indeed, poor spelling skills can also impede you in love! In 2016, a survey of over five thousand people on online dating site Match.com found that over a third judged whether a potential date was suitable by their grasp of grammar. Poor spelling can also impact business ratings, with a BBC article in 2011 stating that ‘a single spelling mistake can cut online sales in half.’ While spell checking tools can be used, they raise a new issue. When spell check corrects a word, it can also change the word to one different than intended, creating hundreds of ‘funniest autocorrect’ articles online but also leaving governments red

Magical drama at Stockport Grammar Stockport Grammar School pupils stepped out of the classroom and through the wardrobe to delight audiences with a magical drama production. More than one hundred pupils were involved in the re-telling of C.S. Lewis’s classic novel The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Head of Drama, Mr Matt King-Sayce said: ‘It was a real pleasure to engage so many pupils, both onstage and backstage in our first live production in almost two years. The three performances of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe were incredibly wellreceived by more than seven hundred people. The camaraderie and support the pupils offered each other led them to stage a performance they should be incredibly proud of.’ Regular Stockport Grammar School productions bring together drama, music, dance and backstage teams in exciting collaborations that showcase and develop pupils’ talents. Chicago and A Christmas Carol were performed in 2020.

faced as ‘peace’ turns to ‘peach’ in press releases. But let’s not come down too hard on spelling lest it discourage children from writing. I have seen students go from enthusiastic to disengaged learners after seeing their work returned with red rings around the misspelled words. For many, their ideas for stories, articles and debates stay locked in their heads, never written down for fear of over-zealous correction. We might be missing out on some amazing works - after all, Jane Austen is known for spelling scissors as ‘scissars’ and sofa as ‘sopha’. And her novels are considered literary classics! So does spelling matter? Sort of. But it shouldn’t get in the way of encouraging children to write. My solution? Spend longer on proof-reading, a skill that can help beyond the classroom. And, on that note, I’m off to proof-read this article. Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).

Learning to proofread While grammar and autocorrect tools can support writing, I believe there is a missing skill: proofreading. Something that I often work on with students is ‘hearing their inside voice’ reading their work. Being able to spot mistakes can help students to notice patterns in their own writing, identify grammar errors and lead them to understand hidden meanings in texts. The process of proofreading encourages children to slow down and consider making changes to their work, such as upgrading a word like ‘big’ to ‘enormous,’ allowing them to explore and use more advanced vocabulary. To produce crisp, clear copy, proofreading is the final part of the writing process and is as important as creating and revising text. Proofreading is a skill that many of us will need in the world of work, when sending emails and writing presentations. For the best, proof reading can be a job in its own right. To practise proofreading, try www.twinkl.co.uk for age-banded proofreading packs and worksheets www.portlandproof.com for free online games.

For more information, visit www.stockportgrammar.co.uk 6 Families Cheshire

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EDUCATION

Tidy bedrooms and school performance By Usha Patel The instruction ‘Tidy your room!’ is the bane of most children’s lives. But there’s so much more to keeping bedrooms tidy than maintaining a positive environment. In fact, the very act of regular tidying can actually help children in other areas of their life too, including at school. It’s all part of building certain processes and routines that are important to their overall development. Nurturing a sense of tidiness By the age of four, children can usually hold just one notion in their active memory, for instance, immediate instructions such as picking up certain toys or doing one tidying job. Young children often struggle with being given too much to do all at once simply because their active memory is quickly drained. However, by the time they are sixteen, they can hold six or even seven notions in their active memory at a time. If you want your child to more easily absorb a sequence of instructions, you can try habit stacking, with tidying their bedroom a perfect example of how to nurture it. Habit stacking is achieved by linking an existing habit with a new one you want to create. How a tidy bedroom can help with working memory How easily can your child find something in their bedroom? To recall where a particular item is, children first need to retrieve the information from their long-term memory storage and bring it forward to their active thinking. The more items they have to put away, the more working memory is used to remember where each one is located.

Working memory is a critical cognitive function for everyday activities from learning to reading, remembering spellings, maths and mathematical tasks. By encouraging your child to start small and create the tidying habit and then retrieve the items, you are exercising that same part of the brain. It’s impossible to overstate just how important working memory is in every aspect of your child’s life. In fact, Dr Tracy Packiam Alloway, award-winning psychologist who has conducted extensive research on memory and the brain, states it is a more significant indicator of academic success than IQ. So, there’s no need to feel like you are being a nag when you ask your child to tidy their room; it really is good for them. There’s a direct line from toybox to brainbox - just don’t expect them to thank you for it yet! Usha Patel (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk) is a neurocognitive therapist and an expert in special educational needs.

Habit stacking to improve bedroom tidying

Tips for improving tidying and working memory

Beds take up a large portion of any bedroom and having a madeup bed can contribute to a ninety percent tidier room if your child’s room is small. Using a habit stack to instruct your child to make their bed could be worded like this:

Introduce and start using habit stacking from a young age.

‘After your feet touch the floor in the morning, plump up your pillow and pull the cover straight to make your bed. After making your bed, head straight to the bathroom’. A room tidying habit stack might sound like this: ‘Pick up your cars and put them in the blue crate. Then sit your soft toys next to each other on the shelf.’ Habit stacking becomes a routine that can be easily adapted and made more complex with age. It creates a series of sequential steps that leave no gaps for distraction. Importantly, it does not drain active memory. If you want to find out more, Habit Stacking creator Dr BJ Fogg’s book Tiny Habits is an excellent guide to the science of behaviour change.

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Celebrate the implementation of each new habit with plenty of praise and encouragement. Comment on how much better your child’s room looks and how pleased you are with their efforts; Dr BJ Fogg says happiness helps behaviour change! Creating and ingraining a new habit usually takes around twenty one days. Once the habit is in place, add another and keep going. Gradually build the chain of habits to achieve the right result. Exercise your four-year-old child’s working memory by asking them to retrieve one item. Build up to four items by age nine and seven by age sixteen. Every child develops at their own pace, bear this in mind and support or reduce when needed at every stage. When you deem them old enough, explain the science behind what they are learning and how clever they are making their brains! Families Cheshire 7

TRAVEL

Unique UK animal encounters From the truly wild to the more domestic, there are so many animal experiences to be enjoyed here in the UK. Whether you dream of taking you and your family strolling with alpacas or heading out into the deep blue sea, these animal encounters will create lasting memories.

Spot badgers in Dorset

Walk alpacas in East Sussex

Herd sheep in the Lake District

Watch beavers in Cornwall

Possibly one of the most elusive of all British wildlife, wild badgers are often difficult to find despite their size. For an opportunity to glimpse one of these creatures, head to Dorset’s Old Henley Farm where guests can sit and view in two spacious hides. Visit www.badgerwatchdorset. co.uk

A stroll through the British countryside with an alpaca friend in tow is certain to put a smile on your face! Alpaca walking at Spring Farm Alpacas in East Sussex will take you through beautiful countryside, where you can spot a wide range of wildlife the farm has encouraged. Visit www.springfarmalpacas. co.uk

If you’re keen to get stuck into life on the farm, look no further than the truly unique Lake District Sheepdog Experience. Designed for absolute beginners, just one session will see you guiding your flock around a small course all with assistance of your trusty sheepdog. Visit www.bit.ly/lakesheepdog

After four hundred years of extinction in the UK, beavers are making a comeback thanks to the Cornwall Beaver Project. These chubbycheeked rodents in Cornwall have been reintroduced into a secure area of woodland and can be viewed on weekly beaver walks. Visit www. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Stay: Shepherd’s Hut, Blandford Forum

Stay: Gun Hill Cottage, Heathfield

Stay: Winster Fields, Windermere

Stay: 2 Pencoose Barns, Truro

Go whale watching in Scotland

Kayak with seals in Pembrokeshire

Spy red squirrels in the Yorkshire Dales

See wild boars in the Forest of Dean

Whale watching may be on your bucket list for an exotic country but it is achievable here in the UK. Off the mainland of Scotland, near the islands of Tiree, Coll and Mull, you can see Minke whale along with dolphins and porpoises.

The Pembrokeshire coast is home to one of the largest breeding Atlantic seal colonies in the world. Glimpse these inquisitive creatures and their pups up close. Mayberry Kayaking are so confident you will see them that they even offer a ‘seal guarantee’ during certain months. Visit www.bit.ly/mayberryseals

The endangered red squirrel is a rare find but can be easily found in Yorkshire’s Widdale Squirrel Reserve, one of the last strongholds. With a special viewing area for the public, you will be sure to get the perfect vantage point to spot these bushy tailed beauties. Visit www.bit.ly/yorkshiresquirrels

Wild boars had largely disappeared from the UK until an unsanctioned release from a farm in the Ross-on-Wye area. Many now roam the Wye Valley. If you are lucky enough to spot one on your visit, stay still and keep your distance they are not as friendly as their domesticated counterparts.

Stay: Tirlaggan Studio, Oban

Stay: Maerdy Lodge, Haverfordwest

Stay: Mary’s Cottage, Hawes

Stay: Danby Lodge, Coleford

Gun Hill Cottage, Heathfield

8 Families Cheshire

Tirlaggan Studio, Oban

Compiled by Yonder (www.yonder.com), a new travel brand that offers responsible and nature rich stays and experiences. All properties referred to in the article can be found on their website.

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EARLY YEARS

Play for nurturing emotional intelligence By Dr Anne Lane When my daughter was in her first year at nursery her favourite game was pretending to say goodbye to me. ‘Bye Mama, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later.’ ‘Oh no! You’re not going...’ I’d say after her, ‘I don’t want you to go!’ The more I sighed ‘Don’t go,’ the more she’d giggle and run off. Thus reassured, we were ready for our day. Little moments of play like this helped my daughter process her separation from me at nursery from a space of safety and connection. For a child, life can be full of emotional demands; from the strains of separation from you, to new friendships, periods of uncertainty and family changes. As a parent and psychologist, one of the most effective and fun ways I have found to help children navigate experiences and the difficult emotions that come with these is through this process of play. Simple, giggly, repetitive play helps children develop a resilience and familiarity with situations which can dispel tension and anxiety. So how does play work? Play is serious work for your child. The process of role-playing real scenarios allows them to reflect on their reactions and beliefs about a situation. They can steady their emotions and become more nuanced and agile in their reactions.

in the world of play, they get to switch things around and feel empowered. They can explore and try different things. The play scenario can be ridiculous, funny, amusing - tense and tight emotions soften and ease. Against this background of safety and security, your child can become more comfortable making suggestions and changing things, allowing their understanding of situations to develop. They’re the boss, they call the shots and decide how a situation goes. From this place of safety, they revisit difficult experiences without feeling vulnerable or uncertain. In role playing and playing out different scenarios with them, your child comes to know you as someone who can understand and relate to their experience. They feel steady and secure. Dr Anne Lane is a clinical psychologist and author. Her new book Nurture Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence: 5 Steps to Help Your Child Cope with Big Emotions and Build Resilience is out now.

The most important aspect of play is that it feels safe. In the real world, things are unpredictable. People can be abrupt and cross and make your child feel vulnerable and uncertain. But

Top tips for playing When you play with your child, focus less on conversation and more on acting things out and exploring. This focus away from language allows your child to relax and connect. Follow the laughter. When your child is laughing they are releasing fear and tension, enveloped in happiness with you. Silliness, smiles and laughter are great indicators that play is working. Let your child take the lead. If you can, get down to their level. Prioritise your child feeling in control. If your child seems uncertain or pulls back then slow down, change things around. Let them be the boss. Be careful with tickling. Although a lot of children love tickling, the feeling of being tickled can be overwhelming and intense. Instead prioritise play which creates real engagement and collaboration, as well as laughter. Play doesn’t have to be big, take long or be over-planned. Make it spontaneous and funny. Some of my children’s favourite games can involve me simply looking surprised or pretending to sleep on the sofa! Familiesonline.co.uk

Party time with Brio Leisure! It’s been a tough couple of years full of restrictions and cancelled celebrations but Brio Leisure is here to help you plan something exciting for your children, family and friends. Book your kids parties at Brio Leisure. With great value packages and a variety of options to keep everyone entertained, you can celebrate and enjoy a stress-free party. Why not try something different and celebrate your little one’s birthday this year with a splash? With a variety of swimming pool party options on offer, there is something for everyone to enjoy! You can also mix ‘n’ match and create your perfect party. Combine swimming with football or a bouncy castle and roller disco. You can even fuel up in one of our four Brio cafes so take a look at what’s available at your local centre today! For more information contact your local Brio Leisure centre or visit www.brioleisure.org/party Prices are available upon request. Activities are subject to availability at each Brio Leisure centre. Families Cheshire 9

PARENTING

Tackling childhood fears By Tanith Carey

During the pandemic, levels of anxiety among adults have risen sharply and some of this worry has been contagious for kids. So how do we help children manage their own feelings when the world feels uncertain for grown-ups too? Firstly, remember that children take their cues from you. This means noticing when you feel overwhelmed. Visualise a sliding scale in your mind with notches from one to ten. When the scale starts to move towards seven or eight, take deliberate steps to process your own worries, maybe talking them through with another adult, so you can stay calm and rational around your child. You may be concerned that this is hiding your worries from your child. Don’t be. It’s putting on your own oxygen mask so you can reassure them they are safe within the world of their home. If your child seems worried by something about Covid they have heard outside the home, ask what they’ve heard. From around age 4 or 5, young children engage in ‘magical thinking’ in which they believe they are the centre of the world. In order to try and make sense of how the world works, they also tend to link events that aren’t linked, meaning that they often leap to the wrong conclusions. If a grandparent gets Covid, they may for example, assume it’s down to them not washing their hands when they come home from school. Asking your children about their fears allows you to tackle their concerns directly. You can help them feel more in control by telling them they are part of a big team winning the war on the virus and helping by wearing masks and washing their hands. Explain: ‘Lots of people have caught this germ, but for most, it’s been like a really bad cold.’ Talk too about how clever scientists have come up with vaccines and millions of grown-ups, from health care staff to teachers, are still working hard to look after them. Help them get the virus in perspective too. Explain that there are good germs in our bodies as well as bad ones, how their immune system works and how to look after it. While young children tend not to worry about death as something that happens to them, they may worry about who will look after them if you or your co-parent dies. If this is a concern that surfaces, tell your child that everyone dies eventually but

you don’t expect it to happen for a long time and by then they will be grown-up. Facing and talking about their fears doesn’t mean they will become persistent. In fact, they are more likely to keep coming back when children feel alone with them, not heard or unable to express them. If you do lose a loved one, give clear, open honest answers because younger children don’t understand death is final. Avoid phrases such as ‘gone to sleep’ or ‘we’ve lost them.’ Explain simply the reason that their loved one is no longer here is that their body stopped working. Sometimes kids can find it easier to process the death of a loved one through tangible ways of mourning. Going through family photos, making a keepsake box, releasing a balloon with the person’s name on or planting a tree can all be helpful. Tanith Carey is author of What’s My Child Thinking: Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents with clinical child psychologist Dr Angharad Rudkin, published by DK books. Fears and anxieties are some of the one hundred scenarios faced with children aged 2 to 7 that are tackled in this book.

I’m scared of the dark

Will bad people hurt us?

Fear of the dark at bedtime affects about half of children up to the age of 5. When a room goes black, children can feel ‘trapped’ by the darkness around them.

By the time children are 5 or 6, they may overhear talk about crime or terror attacks and worry that ‘bad people’ may want to hurt them or the people they love.

By helping kids name their worries, they will feel more in charge. Summarise and talk about what they are saying, so they know you have heard and understood.

While you may feel it’s too soon to tackle such a big subject, they are really asking if they are safe with you right now.

To make lights-out seem less scary, offer your child a nightlight which will cast a warm glow around them without interrupting their sleep. 10 Families Cheshire

Acknowledge their concerns and how scary this must feel. Explain that serious crimes and big news incidents are rare and they are safe at home.

Familiesonline.co.uk

PARENTING

Top apps every parent needs By Ari Last It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of apps available in the App Store and give up before you’ve even started looking for something. When it comes to parenting though, getting good apps on speed dial can really save time if you’re looking to keep the children entertained, connect with other like-minded parents, research childcare options or seek guidance on how to make family life just that little bit easier. Here are some recommendations: Family Locator https://family-locator.com When older children or teenagers are out and about, keep track of their location with this app which keeps your family secure and connected, for extra peace of mind. CBeebies www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies This staple app on any parent’s phone or tablet offers both educational games as well as classic cartoons for when you just need a break!

Mush www.letsmush.com The number one social app for mums to find friends who live nearby with kids the same age, arrange to meet up and get advice from parenting experts and peers.

The Wonder Weeks www.bit.ly/WonderWeeksApp A week-by-week guide to your baby’s development right through from pregnancy to after birth, showing how you can support and stimulate your little one.

Allrecipes Dinner Spinner https://dish.allrecipes.com/ mobile-apps A handy bank of recipes and cooking inspiration which keeps solving the ‘what can I make for dinner?’ question and keeps little bellies satisfied every evening.

Sound Sleeper www.soundsleeperapp.com Help your baby get off to sleep with this app’s collection of calming sounds. Kidday www.kidday.com The easiest way to store your child’s photographs in one place, as well as share albums with friends and family.

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OLIO www.olioex.com Here you can give away unwanted kids’ items to those in the local area, allowing you to help out a neighbour and reduce waste. You can also use the app to look for anything you might happen to need and save some pennies. Ari Last is a parenting guru and founder of childcare app Bubble. For more information, visit www.joinbubble.com

Pre-schoolers and group activities After nearly two years of social distancing and screen time, the number of UK pre-schoolers joining organised group activities has risen by ten percent, according to a new study from leading researcher Childwise. Twenty six percent of parents surveyed said their pre-schooler had participated in group activities last year, up from sixteen percent in 2019.

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Bubble www.joinbubble.com The UK’s biggest ondemand childcare platform, with over 100,000 users and 5-star Trustpilot rating. Find, book and pay local sitters or nannies who come recommended from their friends and other parents in their area.

Swimming is the most popular activity, followed by dance classes and group music lessons. On average, UK kids are now participating in 1.4 activities, up from 1.2 activities pre-Covid. More info: www.childwise.co.uk Families Cheshire 11

PARENTING

What’s new in 2022 Trendsetters tell us this is the year to embrace the Swedish word ‘lagom,’ which roughly translates as ‘not too much, not too little.’ But if you want to live life just a bit greener, need a bit more entertainment for the children or the one latest piece of tech to make your life easier, we’ve got it covered! Here is Families’ guide to some of this year’s best new products:

It’s a wrap, from £12 Play an active part in the war on plastic consumption by switching to new WaxWrap. It’s a sustainable, reusable beeswax wrap which keeps food super fresh. With conventional clingfilm responsible for polluting the waterways of the world and poisoning our wild and marine life, this cotton-based product is a welcome alternative. Available as a handy bag, pre-cut sheets and a food roll. www.waxwrap.uk

Keep baby safe, from £229 Designed by doctors in the UK, Bluebell Smart Monitors track babies’ breathing, skin temperature, crying, activity levels, sleep/awake status and sleeping positions. The paired mobile smart hub for parents gets realtime alerts, allowing you to control the perfect sleeping environment with lullabies, nightlight, white and pink noise, two-way talk-back and room noise/temperature monitoring. www.bluebellbabymonitor.com

Cooking made easy, £22 Bananrocket’s colourful cooking activity cards weave puzzles, interactive mazes and ingredients into delicious family recipes. Each set includes activities to educate your child about protecting the planet and the superpowers of nutrient-rich ingredients. Wipe-clean and free from the distraction and complication of technology, Bananrocket places small humans in control in the kitchen. Ages 3+. www.bananrocket.com

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Coffee with benefits, from £7.95 Exhale antioxidant-packed organic coffee is a hug in a mug, putting goodness into your body while delivering a caffeine hit. A single cup contains the same amount of antioxidants as twelve punnets of blueberries or fifty five oranges! Delivered in compostable pouches, available singly and via letterbox-friendly subscriptions. www.exhalecoffee.com

Vegan sweet treats, 12 bar packs from £12.07 Flower & White’s decadent chocolate meringue bars are the perfect solution for when you crave a sweet hit, a sneaky snack or a super light dessert. The Melting Strawberry and Melting Chocolate meringue bars are made from a melt-in-the-mouth chickpea-based meringue middle wrapped in scrumptious 100% dairy-free creamy M*LK chocolate. One-off orders and subscriptions available. www.flowerandwhite.co.uk

Boost your baby’s brain, from £34 Small positive interactions have a big impact when it comes to your baby’s brain. The Mindful Parenting Company’s baby and parenting boxes help you to support your baby’s development while keeping your own wellbeing in mind. Created by a child health specialist, each month-specific box includes a relaxing gift for you, guidance and tips, a book, toy and activities to help you connect and learn together. www.themindfulparentingcompany.co.uk

Grow your own, £20.99 by subscription Launched during lockdown, the Pot Gang sends out boxes containing three types of seeds, compost, pots and all the know-how needed to grow delicious vegetables and herbs at home. Fun and easy both for grown-ups and children, it’s a great way to save money and encourage your little ones to eat their own seasonal, completely locally grown fresh food. Sunday Times best gardening subscription winner. www.potgang.co.uk

Magazine 12 Families Cheshire

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ENVIRONMENT

Involving children in saving power By Angela Terry The climate crisis is hot news, energy prices are soaring and families are feeling the pain. With nearly a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions created by our homes, there’s no better time to instil good energy-saving habits in our children, help the environment and reduce energy bills. Luckily, there are many creative ways of doing this so you don’t need to resort to nagging. Here are some suggestions: Measure your household carbon footprint To put energy saving into context, find a free online calculator and measure your household carbon footprint. Start a family art project, drawing a big foot and recording the date and the number of tonnes of emissions generated by your household. As you work together to reduce your footprint, you can update your achievements periodically, getting your children to draw smaller and smaller feet. Display your feet in a row along a wall to chart your progress. Get children to write the rules Go through each room in your house with the kids and ask them to pinpoint all the potential sources of wasted energy. Draw up a list together and agree a set of family rules that you’re all going to stick to, like switching off appliances that aren’t in use and keeping all curtains closed at night. Ownership of the rules should help motivate kids to follow them. Rewards To help younger children stick to your rules, try a reward chart with stickers. If they stick to them for a week, you can then give them a special eco treat, like a bee hotel for the garden or a packet of sunflower seeds to plant together. Older children and teens are more likely to be motivated by money, so agree a small weekly financial reward. Given how much energy prices are increasing, this will still save you money overall. Appoint monitors Allocate specific roles to each child. One could be the curtain monitor, ensuring all curtains are pulled shut at dusk, stopping extra energy seeping out of windows as the temperature drops. Likewise, another child could be the thermostat monitor and check it isn’t set above nineteen degrees Celsius. Children can

also check that bedrooms and little-used rooms are not being heated unnecessarily by turning down their radiator valves. Finally, a socket monitor could make sure all appliances not in use are switched off at the wall. Time showers Make a game of it when it comes to cutting hot water usage by timing each other in the shower to see who can be the quickest – whilst still actually getting clean, of course! Screen time Screen time limits can be one of the greatest sources of tension between parents and children. Building in an energy saving component can help. Explain to your children that the carbon footprint of our gadgets, the internet and the systems supporting them is nearly four percent of global emissions - greater than those from aviation. If they stick to agreed limits, offer to reward them with an outing to the park or a hot chocolate in a cafe. Set an example One of the best things you can do, is role model ultra-efficient energy usage. Children are like sponges and imitate those they’re closest to. Make sure you do everything you’re asking them to do and ask them to remind you if you forget. They’ll love the sense of responsibility (and telling you what to do!). Angela Terry is an environmental scientist and founder of One Home (www.onehome.org.uk), the UK’s first consumer climate action hub.

Draught hunting...

Smarten up your saving

Of course, you want to save energy but simultaneously make your home as insulated and cosy as possible. Encourage your children to come on a draught hunt with you, searching for any leaks around windows or doors. When you find some, enlist their help in a bit of easy DIY, sealing them with inexpensive rubber trim, available from most DIY shops. If cold air is seeping under the front door, do some ‘draught craft’ and make a snake draught excluder together. YouTube has lots of helpful tutorials.

A smart meter is a great visual tool. Once you’ve had one installed, use it to show your children when you’re using the most energy and how much it’s costing. Set targets to reduce your monthly usage and bills. Explain that just by turning down your thermostat by one degree saves an average of £80 per year. The ideal temperature is nineteen degrees Celsius. Set targets and treat yourselves to a family games night or outing whenever you hit them.

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Families Cheshire 13

WHAT’S ON

What’s On All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed. Sat 5 Mar Flippin’ Good Pancakes at the Farm, Tatton Park Head to the Mill and Shippon to learn more about your eggs, flour and milk before heading to the Clydesdale Kitchen for fun demos and tasting with the farm team. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 19 Mar Twisted Tales at Sale Waterside A brand-new original comedy by the author of Horrible Histories. Three actors perform over one hundred roles in as many minutes of fact-based, fastpaced fun! www.watersidearts.org

Sat 5/Sun 6 Mar and Sat 12/ Sun 13 Mar Lambing Weekends and Zoo at Reaseheath College, Nantwich Unique and memorable springtime experience for all the family. Tickets include both entrance to the lambing event and the zoo. Prebook only. www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ lambing

Sun 20 Mar Party by the Half Moon Theatre at Sale Waterside Afonso’s best friend is having a birthday party, but where is his invitation? When it finally arrives the excitement and nerves become too much to handle. Ages 2-5. www.watersidearts.org

Sun 6 Mar Kids Car Boot at Kingsway School (Lower site), Cheadle Established in 2009, this popular monthly car boot event also raises funds for Barnardos. www.kidscarboot.co.uk Sat 9 & Sat 26 Mar ComedySportz 4 Tots, Sale Waterside Promising BIG laughs for little kids, ComedySportz 4 Tots will delight and entertain with madcap, improvised games with plenty of physicality, silly noises and chances for kids and adults alike to get involved in the action. Perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers and a great introduction to live shows. www.watersidearts.org Thurs 10 to Sun 20 Mar GANDEYS CIRCUS ‘ROAR!’ at Aintree Racecourse Europe’s largest touring show is back with spectacular fun for all the family. www.gandeyscircus.com Thurs 10 to Sat 12 Mar It’s Hot It’s Not at The Lowry (The Studio) Theatre company Reckless Sleepers present this surreal, funny and carefully crafted physical performance which explores the weather and the world, wherever you are. www.thelowry.com Tues 15 to Sun 20 Mar Magic Goes Wrong at the Storyhouse, Chester Created with magic legends Penn & Teller, in this new ‘Goes Wrong’ comedy, the original Mischief company play a hapless gang of magicians presenting a charity event. www.storyhouse.com 14 Families Cheshire

Sun 20 Mar Big Fish Little Fish Liverpool Family Rave with Paul Bleasdale at Hangar 34 World-famous, award-winning, Glastonbury Festival performing, family rave sensation BFLF are at Hangar 34, Liverpool for a family rave up! www.eventbrite.co.uk Wed 23 Mar to Sat 2 Apr Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Manchester Opera House One of the worlds most beloved family musicals returns to Manchester, starring Alexandra Burke, Jason Donovan and Jac Yarrow. www.manchestertheatres.com Fri 25 Mar to Sat 26 Mar The Wizard of Oz at Northwich Memorial Court Anton Benson Productions return with another all-singing, all-dancing, rib-tickling Easter panto starring Northwich favourite Ryan Greaves and more to be announced! Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the cowardly Lion as they journey on a panto-filled adventure through Oz to meet the legendary Wizard and defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. www.brioentertainment.org Sat 26 Mar The TIN MAN at The Lowry (Quays Theatre) Joss Arnott Dance presents a magical, new retelling of a classic story, seen through the rusty eyes of the TIN MAN and his journey to finding his heart and happiness. www.thelowry.com Sun 27 Mar Mother’s Day Quiz, Tatton Park Farm

Join the farm team and take part in a Mother’s Day quiz in which you will be introduced to the farmyard animals and match the mother to her baby! www.tattonpark.org.uk Thurs 31 Mar to Sat 4 Jun Beauty and the Beast, Palace Theatre Disney classic spectacularly reimagined using the latest theatrical innovations, this beloved ‘tale as old as time’ will be brought to life on stage like never before. www.manchestertheatres.com Fri 1 Apr to Sun 24 Apr GANDEYS CIRCUS “ROAR!” at the Trafford Centre Europe’s largest touring show is back with spectacular fun for all the family. www.gandeyscircus.com Sat 2 Apr Fireman Sam at the Storyhouse Theatre, Chester Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, actionpacked show. www.storyhouse.com Sat 2 Apr to Mon 18 Apr Easter Farm Fun at Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport Make a day of it at an all-day Easter event. Activities include the famous easter egg hunt, baby animal meet and greet, tractor rides and more. www.reddishvalefarm.co.uk/ event/easter-farm-fun Sun 3 Apr Kids Car Boot – Kingsway School (Lower site), Cheadle Established in 2009, this popular monthly car boot event raises funds for Barnardos. www.kidscarboot.co.uk Tues 5 Apr to Sat 9 Apr Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World at The Lowry (The Quays Theatre) Brand new kick-asspirational pop musical bursts to life on stage as the Fantastically Great Women including Frida Kahlo,

Rosa Parks and Emmeline Pankhurst take to the stage to tell their stories. www.thelowry.com Thurs 7 Apr to Sun 24 Apr George’s Marvellous Medicine at the Garrick Theatre, Altrincham Imaginative and entertaining stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved children’s classic. www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk Sat 9 Apr Twirlywoos Live at Northwich Memorial Centre From the producers of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Sarah and Duck Live on Stage, Twirlywoos Live is an enchanting introduction to theatre for all ages. The funny, loveable Twirlywoos are brought to life on stage with beautifully inventive puppetry promising an hour of colourful fun and laughter. www.brioentertainment.org Sat 9 Apr to Mon 18 Apr Easter Garden Trail at Arley Hall Easter themed trail in the gardens to delight children. Collect the hidden clues as you discover them in the gardens then take them back to the shop for your Easter prize. Open from 10am to 5pm, normal entry fees apply. www.arleyhallandgardens.com Sun 10 Apr Little Grimm Tales at Sale Waterside Beasts and breadcrumbs, wolves and witches, frogs and fairies all join the fun in a stunning new adaptation of Grimm’s most magical tales. www.watersidearts.org Sun 10 Apr The Masked Singer Live at AO Arena, Manchester For the first time ever, your favourite characters will be brought to life live on stage, as different mystery celebrities are unmasked at the end of every performance www.Ao-arena.com Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Mon 11 Apr Andy & The Odd Socks at RNCM, Manchester CBeebies superstar, Andy Day fronts what is fast becoming one of the most popular live acts for Kids, The Odd Socks. Not to be missed! www.seetickets.com Tues 12 Apr to Sat 16 Apr April The Smeds and The Smoos at The Lowry (The Quays Theatre) Soar into space with this exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. www.thelowry.com Wed 13 Apr Kids Craft Workshops at the Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton Fabulous Flowers Easter Cards Popular craft workshops from local visual artist Lara Pomeroy. www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk Thurs 14 Apr Velociraptor Show at the Camp and Furnace, Liverpool The award winning Teach Rex team return with this fun, interactive show which uses life-like dinosaurs to teach children about the anatomy and life of one the most mesmerising creatures to have ever roamed our planet. www.skiddle.com

Thurs 14 Apr to Sun 17 Apr Gangsta Granny at Storyhouse Theatre, Chester From the acclaimed producers of Billionaire Boy comes the award-winning West End production of this amazing story by bestselling author David Walliams. www.storyhouse.com Fri 15 Apr to Sat 16 Apr Jurassic Live at Wythenshaw Forum This brand-new, thrilling, unique and immersive dinosaur experience comes to Wythenshawe Forum. www.skiddle.com Fri 15 Apr to Mon 18 Apr Mother Goose at The Plaza, Stockport Get into the Easter spirit with this firm family pantomime favourite MOTHER GOOSE. www.stockportplaza.co.uk Fri 15 Apr to Mon 18 Apr Magical Easter Adventures, Tatton Park You’ll be spoilt for choice with treasure hunt-style trails in the gardens, mansion, farm and parkland. www.tattonpark.org.uk Sat 16 Apr Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show at Sale Waterside Designed for children and

EASTER MAZE The Easter Bunny needs to make a delivery but he’s dropped an egg. Can you help him find it?

adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the science in a way you have never seen before! www.watersidearts.org Sat 16 Apr I Spy with My Little Eye at Pyramid Arts Centre, Warrington You’re a special guest at Molly and Bingo the puppy’s birthday party. There’ll be a terrific treasure hunt, sensational singalong songs and lots of fantastic games to play. www.pyramid. culturewarrington.org Sat 16 Apr Knutsford Bunny Hop, Knutsford Town Centre Enjoy some Easter fun as you find the bunnies dotted around the town centre; all bunnies show a letter which together spell the hidden phrase! Find them all and submit your entry into the postbox at Mr Simms to enter a hoptastic prize draw! www.facebook.com/ knutsfordbunnyhop

Wed 20 Apr to Sun 24 Apr David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy at Buxton Opera House Amazing production from the award-winning West End producers of Gangsta Granny. www.buxtonoperahouse.org Sat 23 Apr Rapunzel at Sale Waterside A tangled musical adventure! Let your hair down in a brandnew adaptation of the popular fairy tale Rapunzel. www.watersidearts.org Sat 23 to Sun 24 Apr Jayne Guest Productions presents Melody Mouse Live at Northwich Memorial Court Jayne and Melody - along with a live orchestra - are bringing all the excitement of their weekly music classes to the big stage! Designed especially for preschool children. www.brioentertainment.org Sat 30 Apr to Mon 2 May Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park The Bennetts British Superbike Championship makes its first visit of 2022 to Oulton Park on Early May Bank Holiday for three days of high-octane, twowheeled competition. www.oultonpark.co.uk

Sun 17 Apr Alice in Wonderland Easter Experience at Capesthorne Hall Dress up and join Alice and friends as the enchanted world of Wonderland mysteriously springs into the gardens of Capesthorne Hall. www.capesthorne.com

SPRING ANAGRAM Unscramble the letters to find springtime things! 1. L S O M O B S

2. G S R P N I

R S E F W O L

3. T A E E S R

G S E G

4. G R B S D I N O

5. H S S I E N U N

When you’ve finished, unscramble the circled letters to spell a special message! Answers: 1. Blossom 2. Spring Flowers 3. Easter Eggs 4. Birdsong 5. Sunshine. Message is: Get some fresh air Familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cheshire 15

Make an Easter birds nest!

Cut out and Keep

Spring is springing and the birds are nesting.

So why not take the time to get crafty with the kids and help them make their own bird’s nest for Easter. Once you have gathered all of the pieces, you can put together your bird’s nest in no time. Your child will love developing new skills as they explore making, sticking and creating. Once the nest is complete, why not go on a walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring and see if you can spot birds’ nests in the trees? You will need: • • •

Paper plate Brown paper squares Brown shredded paper

• • •

Feathers Wiggling eyes Bird cut outs (see below)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Cut the paper plate in half. With one half, cut out a semicircle.

Step 2:

Cover both halves in brown paper.

Step 3:

Add the brown shredded paper to the half with the semi-circle cut out.

Step 4:

Step 5:

Then cut out the blue and yellow circles with the bird beaks in them and stick into the nest.

Step 6:

Add the wiggly eyes and feathers to the birds. And, ta da, your nest is complete!

Stick the two pieces together, the half with the shredded paper on it on top of the other (so it makes a nest).

With thanks to Karen Allen, co-owner of Kidzplay Playbox for this craft activity. Kidzplay Playbox produces creative playboxes which are guaranteed to be fun and contain high quality, engaging activities. Visit www.kidzplay.co.uk for playboxes delivered to your door.

16 Families Cheshire

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